Key takeaways

  • Smoking, workplace chemicals, and arsenic in water can cause harmful substances to accumulate in the bladder or bloodstream, elevating bladder cancer risk.
  • Certain medications, aristolochic acid supplements, a family history of the condition, and other factors may increase bladder cancer risk.
  • Adopting preventive measures like quitting smoking, avoiding harmful chemicals, and regular screenings may lower bladder cancer risk and encourage early detection.

Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking and exposure to certain chemicals. A family history of bladder cancer can also increase your risk.

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bladder, the organ that stores urine before it leaves your body.

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 84,870 new cases of bladder cancer will be diagnosed in 2025. Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers.

This article reviews the risk factors for bladder cancer along with what you can do to lower your risk.

Certain things may raise your chances of developing bladder cancer. These are called risk factors.

It’s important to know the risk factors so you can avoid them if possible. On the other hand, some people may have several risk factors but never develop this cancer.

1. Smoking

People who smoke are at least three times as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who don’t. Smoking is blamed for about half of all bladder cancer in men and women. In fact, studies have found it’s the most common risk factor for this type of cancer.

When you smoke, harmful chemicals can accumulate in the urine and damage the lining of your bladder. This buildup can lead to cancer.

To lower your risk of develop bladder cancer, avoid all cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, as well as secondhand smoke. Here are tips to help you stop smoking.

2. Arsenic in water

The National Cancer Institute has found that ingesting high amounts of arsenic in drinking water is linked to a greater risk of bladder cancer.

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why exposure to this element is related to cancer. Most of the drinking water in the United States contains low levels of arsenic, but this may be a concern for people in other parts of the world.

3. Workplace chemicals

Certain chemicals that are used in the workplace have been associated with a higher chance of developing bladder cancer.

Doctors believe contact with certain agents leads to bladder cancer because your kidneys help filter harmful chemicals from your bloodstream and distribute them into your bladder.

Substances used in the manufacturing of rubber, dyes, leather, and paint products are thought to affect your risk of bladder cancer. Some of these chemicals include:

  • benzene
  • toluene
  • xylene
  • benzidine and beta-naphthylamine, which are known as aromatic amines.

People who work in the following professions are at an increased risk for bladder cancer due to frequent exposure to harmful chemicals:

  • painters
  • metal workers
  • leather workers
  • miners
  • manufacturers of plastics
  • firefighters
  • hairdressers
  • machinists
  • truck drivers

4. Medications

Certain medications have been linked to bladder cancer.

The Food and Drug Administration warns that taking the diabetes medication pioglitazone (Actos) for more than a year may raise a person’s risk of developing bladder cancer.

Cancer treatments, such as the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) or radiation therapy, may also raise the risk of bladder cancer.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about the medications you’re taking or treatments you are on.

5. Supplements

Dietary supplements that contain aristolochic acid may put you at risk of developing bladder cancer. This compound is often found in herbal products that are purported to help with:

  • arthritis
  • gout
  • inflammation
  • weight loss

To reduce your risk, avoid taking supplements or any other products that contain aristolochic acid.

6. Dehydration

Not drinking enough fluids may be a risk factor for bladder cancer. Researchers think people who drink plenty of water each day empty their bladders more often, which may keep harmful chemicals from sticking around in the bladder.

Guidelines vary, but in general, men should drink about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of water daily. Women should drink about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters). Keep in mind that environmental factors such as heat and humidity may also affect your water needs.

7. Family history of certain conditions

If you have a family history of bladder cancer or the hereditary condition nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, also known as “Lynch syndrome,” you might be at an increased risk for bladder cancer.

Certain mutations, such as those of the RB1 gene and the PTEN gene, may also boost your chances of having this cancer.

8. Bladder problems

Certain bladder problems have been linked to bladder cancer, including:

Schistosomiasis, an infection caused by a parasitic worm, also increases your chances of developing this cancer. This parasite is very rare in the United States.

9. Race

Caucasians are twice as likely as African Americans or Hispanics to develop bladder cancer. Experts aren’t sure why this link exists.

10. Gender

Bladder cancer affects more men than women. In fact, men are 3 to 4 times more likely to get this cancer during their lifetime.

11. Age

Most cases of bladder cancer occur in older individuals. About 9 out of 10 people with this cancer are older than age 55. The average age that most people develop bladder cancer is 73.

12. History of bladder or urothelial cancer

Having cancer anywhere in your urinary tract puts you at risk for another episode of cancer, even if your tumor was removed.

If you’ve had bladder cancer in the past, your doctor will likely follow you carefully to make sure new cancers haven’t developed.

13. Bladder birth defects

People who are born with bladder birth defects might be more likely to develop bladder cancer. But these problems are rare.

You might be able to prevent or lower your risk of bladder cancer by avoiding certain lifestyle behaviors. One of the most important changes you can make is to stop smoking.

Avoiding exposure to chemicals and dyes is another way to lower your risk. Drinking plenty of water is great for your health and another potential way to prevent bladder cancer.

Be sure to talk to a doctor if you think you’re at risk for bladder cancer or if you have a family history of this disease. Your doctor may want to perform certain screening tests to determine your risk factors.

What are the early symptoms of bladder cancer?

Some early signs of bladder cancer include:

  • blood in your urine
  • painful or frequent urination
  • pelvic or back pain

Your doctor may diagnose bladder cancer by performing these tests:

Many risk factors can raise your chances of developing bladder cancer. Avoiding certain harmful behaviors, especially smoking, may protect you from the disease. However, people without risk factors can still develop bladder cancer.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and visiting your doctor for regular screenings can help lower your risk and ensure early detection if you do develop bladder cancer.